The Kenmore West High School DECA chapter led by business teacher and advisor Nicholas Warchocki had an outstanding showing at the recent DECA Regionals competition. This included a total of eight students who placed in the top four in their respective events and qualified for the New York State competition as well as several additional students who placed in the top 10.

DECA is dedicated to preparing and inspiring students to become leaders and entrepreneurs in different fields such as marketing, finance, hospitality and management. At the competition, students are challenged to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a variety of individual and team events which simulate real-life scenarios. Kenmore West was one of 14 high schools taking part in the event with more than 600 students competing. Despite tough competition and more rigorous eligibility requirements, these eight students qualified for the New York State Competition:

• Izzy Bourgeault (second place, Personal Financial Literacy competition)
• Ava McCrea & Kaleb Smith (second place, Hospitality Services Team Decision Making competition)
• Charles Mogavero (third place, Principles of Finance competition)
• Joseph Edwards (third place, Principles of Marketing competition)
• Jacob Nice (fourth place, Principles of Marketing competition)
• Dom DiGiulio & Jack Lipowski (qualified for states through a project they are working on)

Other students did a phenomenal job at the competition as well:

• Gabriel Tarantelli, fifth place, Principles of Hospitality and Tourism competition
• Jack LaMotte, fifth place, Personal Financial Literacy competition
• Scarlett Anderson, sixth place, Hotel and Lodging Management competition
• Habibe Lemkheitir, seventh place, Restaurant and Food Service Management Series competition
• Caiden Tyree, seventh place, Principles of Entrepreneurship competition
• Gabriella Bender & Kieryn Black, eighth place, Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making competition
• Connor O'Brien, 12th place, Principles of Marketing competition
• Bryce Fraterrigo, 18th place, Principles of Marketing competition
• Ethan Filbert & Jacob Murdie, 21st place, Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making competition
• Walter Dong & Alexander Stinner, 22nd place, Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making competition

Unlike previous years, students had to place in the top four in their respective events for individuals and top three for teams in order to earn a place at the state competition. To have eight students qualify for the statewide competition in Rochester, where they will face off against the best students from across New York State and have the opportunity to compete for a place in nationals, is a tremendous honor.